Launch Your Legal Career with the U.S. Department of Justice

Are you looking to transition into a career where your work directly impacts the preservation of justice? The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois is currently seeking a Criminal Legal Assistant (Office Automation) to support its bustling Chicago office. This is a unique opportunity to gain exposure to high-profile federal investigations while working alongside seasoned attorneys and law enforcement professionals.

Job Responsibilities

As a Legal Assistant, your daily workflow will be diverse and challenging. Key responsibilities include:

Documentation: Drafting, proofreading, and processing legal documents such as complaints, motions, subpoenas, and court orders.
Trial Support: Assisting Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) with discovery, organizing trial notebooks, and assembling witness lists.
Research: Conducting non-complex legal research to verify citations and statutes.
Office Management: Maintaining calendars for active cases, tracking filing deadlines, and ensuring records are correctly archived.

Requirements

You must meet specific federal requirements to be considered for this position:

Level	Specialized Experience or Education Requirements
GS-5	1 year experience OR 4 years education beyond high school
GS-6	1 year experience equivalent to GS-5
GS-7	1 year experience equivalent to GS-6

Typing: Must be able to type 40 WPM with 3 or fewer errors.
Security: Must qualify for a Top Secret clearance.
Residency: Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary range of $45,538 to $73,333 per year, depending on your qualifications and grade level. Beyond the salary, employees enjoy the federal benefits package, which includes:

Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
Paid federal holidays, generous annual, and sick leave.
Stable retirement through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).

Application Tips

Watch the Page Count: Your resume cannot exceed two pages. Over-length resumes are automatically rejected.
Be Precise: When listing experience, include start and end dates (month/day/year) and confirm your full-time or part-time status.
Use the USA Hire System: You will be prompted to take a series of online assessments. Ensure you allow yourself enough time to finish these without interruption.

Joining the Department of Justice is more than just a job; it is a commitment to public service. If you possess the legal administrative skills and the drive to contribute to a world-class legal team, we encourage you to apply. Don't wait until the last minute—start your application today and take the first step toward a rewarding federal career.

Why This Criminal Legal Assistant (Office Automation) Job Matters

Launch a impactful career at the front lines of justice with the Department of Justice in Chicago. Support critical federal investigations and prosecutions as a Criminal Legal Assistant.

Criminal Legal Assistant (Office Automation) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois is seeking detail-oriented, dedicated individuals to join our Criminal Division. This role is essential to our mission, providing critical administrative and legal support to Assistant United States Attorneys as they navigate complex prosecutions ranging from public corruption and cybercrime to violent gang-related activity. You will play a vital role in every phase of the legal process, from initial investigation through trial and appellate proceedings.

Requirements for Criminal Legal Assistant (Office Automation)

U.S. Citizenship or National status.
Must be able to type at least 40 words per minute with 3 or fewer errors.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Completion of the online assessment and questionnaire.
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Criminal Legal Assistant (Office Automation)

Experience in legal documentation, such as drafting motions, subpoenas, or trial exhibits.
Proven track record of managing complex file systems and legal calendars.
Proficiency in utilizing legal research databases and office software suites.
Strong attention to detail in proofreading and citation verification.
Educational background with significant coursework relevant to paralegal or legal administrative functions.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Structured career progression and promotion potential.

💡 How to Apply Criminal Legal Assistant (Office Automation) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Criminal Legal Assistant (Office Automation) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Click the Apply Online link to start your application and questionnaire.
Submit all required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50 forms if applicable.
Complete the required USA Hire Competency Based Assessment within the specified timeframe.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS account portal.

💡 General Tips

Your resume must not exceed two pages; applications exceeding this will be disqualified.
Ensure your resume includes month, day, and year for all employment dates.
Proofread your application entries; your self-rating will be compared against your supporting documents.
Set aside at least three hours to complete the online assessment in one sitting if possible.
Clearly highlight your experience with specific legal documents, such as subpoenas or motions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the promotion potential for this position?

This position has a promotion potential to the GS-7 level.

Is a typing test required?

Applicants must be able to type at least 40 words per minute. While not always required immediately, you may be tested at any time during the hiring process.

Can I work remotely?

This position is currently listed as not remote-eligible and requires in-office presence in Chicago.

Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys

The Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys are the gatekeepers of federal law. In the Northern District of Illinois, our team is committed to prosecuting everything from public corruption to sophisticated cybercrime. We provide an environment where professional integrity, teamwork, and meticulous attention to detail are not just valued—they are required.